Tiny Expeditions - A Podcast about Genetics, DNA and Inheritance

How do you quickly create peanuts that grow bigger, resist pests, and thrive even in the drought-like conditions that can occur in the southeast? The answer lies within their DNA. In this episode, we dive into the peanut genome to learn how scientists are actually creating the tailored peanut varieties we’ve been talking about all season. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Decoding th...

Peanuts aren’t just a crop; they’re an economic engine. In Dothan, Alabama, and across the Wiregrass, peanuts drive local economies, support families, and shape community identity. In this episode, we dig into how the humble legume sustains life and livelihood across the Southeast.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit https://www.hudsonalpha.org/a-crop-that-built-a-community/ 

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Tiny Expeditions is on the road! We're kicking off Season 7 in southeast Alabama to explore the WIREGRASS Peanut Project. Join us as we talk with local educators and students who are getting their hands dirty with real science, extracting DNA from peanut leaves and contributing directly to global genomic research to support local farmers.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “The Wiregrass Peanut Re...

Welcome to a brand-new season of the Tiny Expeditions! This season, we’re heading to the heart of the Wiregrass region in Alabama to explore a groundbreaking initiative: HudsonAlpha WIREGRASS Peanut Project. Dothan, Alabama, is known as the "Peanut Capital of the World," but the industry faces modern challenges like drought and disease. Enter biotechnology. We’re going behind the scenes to see how HudsonAlpha is using g...

We’re living longer than ever, but are we staying healthy longer? In this season finale, we explore how genomics, phenomics, and lifestyle choices intertwine to shape not just how long we live, but how well we live. Guests Dr. Jennifer Lovejoy of Phenome Health and HudsonAlpha’s Nick and Meagan Cochran share how research projects like HOPE-AD are using big data, wearable tech, and personalized multimodal interventions t...

You’ve seen the headlines about new blood tests and treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS, but what’s the science behind those breakthroughs? In this episode, HudsonAlpha scientists Ben Henderson, PhD, and Bri Rogers, PhD, break down the role of biomarkers and genetics in early detection and treatments of neurodegenerative diseases. Discover how research being conducted today is creating real hope...

What happens when a rare disease diagnosis changes everything? When you're told your child will never walk, never talk. On this episode, we learn about Rett Syndrome and sit down with a parent who became his daughter’s fiercest champion and a patient advocate committed to giving these families hope. Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding strength, building community, and living life to the fullest.

To go behind th...

When more than 20 children worldwide developed similar neurodevelopmental symptoms, scientists turned to DNA for answers. In this episode, we explore how researchers used innovative genetic tools—and a little matchmaking—to identify variants in the gene ZMYM3 as a potential cause. Go behind the scenes in the lab to see how science is ending diagnostic odysseys for families around the world.

To go behind the scenes an...

Ever wondered what makes your brain so incredibly complex, or what happens when things go wrong? Join us for this tiny expedition as we demystify brain health and disease, breaking down the intricate cellular makeup of the brain and its vital functions. You’ll learn about the spectrum of brain diseases and disorders and how ongoing research is transforming our understanding of these often devastating diseases.

To go behind the...

Get ready to dive into the most complex organ in your body: the brain! Our new season of Tiny Expeditions is all about brain health – what makes a brain healthy, what can go wrong, and how cutting-edge science is fighting diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and more. We'll talk to leading scientists about their groundbreaking research and hear powerful stories from individuals and families directly impacted by these condi...

Join us for the Season 5 finale as we take you inside the Tiny Expeditions Writers’ Room. We tried our hand at writing a science fiction movie script and consulted with our expert guest to help us determine whether the science was accurate. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Tiny Expeditions Takes on Screenwriting: The Great Goose Genetic Espionage.” 

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Join us for part two of our tiny expedition into the Hollywood writers’ room. We wrap up our conversation with a pair of filmmakers, exploring the ways that science and Hollywood influence each other, current scientific topic trends in Hollywood, and the scientific method as a storytelling structure.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Blending Science and Storytelling: Insights from Hollywo...

Join us for this tiny expedition into the metaphorical writer’s room as we chat with a pair of Hollywood filmmakers. We will explore the challenges of accurately portraying scientific concepts in movies, the balance between fact and fiction, and the impact of science fiction on both audiences and creators.

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “The Art of Science in Cinema: Insights from Hollyw...

Join us for part two of our tiny expedition into the world of Hollywood genetic engineering. In this episode, we explore the possibilities and Hollywood elaborations of genetic engineering. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Genetic Engineering Part Deux: The One NOT About Ethics.” 

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of Hollywood genetic engineering. This episode uses the film GATTACA as an example to explore the ethical implications and considerations of genetic selection and human gene editing. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Designing Destiny: Ethics of Genetic Engineering."

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of pop culture superpowers. In this episode, we delve into the realm of superhero abilities, discussing their potential scientific basis and plausibility. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “From X-Men to Real Men: The Science Behind Superhuman Traits.”

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of cinematic mutations. This episode explores the possibilities and limitations of how DNA mutations occur and asks whether green sludge can actually turn you into a ninja, a turtle, or both. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Cinematic Mutations: Turtle Power!”

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Join us for this tiny expedition into the world of genetics in pop culture. This episode broadly examines how science is represented in movies, TV shows, and more, setting the stage for the rest of the season. 

To go behind the scenes and learn more about this episode, visit “Real versus Reel: The portrayal of science in pop culture.” 

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Genetics and biotechnology are everywhere in pop culture these days. But have you ever wondered if the science behind those movies and TV shows is realistic? We’ll be joined by expert guests who will help us separate science facts from Hollywood elaboration. We’ll explore the ethics of gene editing, see if CSI's forensics hold up under a microscope, explore the realities and limitations of genetic mutations, and more. C...